REVIEW: Riveting ALL MY SONS at Warehouse Theatre

It opens with a storm that knocks down a tree at its roots. By evening’s end, the same thing has happened to a family.

Arthur Miller‘s classic All My Sons opened this past Friday in a transcendent new production at the Warehouse Theatre. Filled with powerful performances, some disarming humor, and a gut-punching finale, this show is a must-see.

Chip Egan stars as Joe Keller, a simple man who runs a local factory. The time is just a few years after World War II, and Joe’s son, Chris (Torsten Johnson), is being groomed as the heir to the family business. Chris has summoned his former neighbor, Ann (Jennifer Webb), back to town so that he can propose marriage. Years ago, Ann was the girlfriend of Chris’ brother, Larry. But Larry never came home from the war and Chris always harbored deep feelings for Ann – feelings that seem to be reciprocated.

Chris’ mother Kate (Mimi Wyche), however, has not given up on her lost son, refusing to believe he might be dead. This, naturally, leads to some serious complications – as well as some shattering revelations.

Director Blake White put together a terrific ensemble for a beautifully human – and startlingly sensory – production. Upon entering The Warehouse space, you’re greeted with a background sound of crickets as you gaze at designer Shannon Roberts’ detailed set. With the aid of Tony Penna’s exceptional lighting design and Marc Gwinn‘s enveloping sound design, the audience is dropped into the Keller’s world, witnessing at close hand the unraveling of what could be your own neighbor.